The final stage of La Liga will be as crucial as ever since the title race does not only belong to Atletico Madrid and Barcelona but also Real Madrid sitting on the third plus Sevilla the dark horse. Los Rojiblancos’s next match in Andalusia to take on Julen Lopetegui’s men is one of the must-win games considering the objective of the fixture. A win would keep them in the same four point margins from Barcelona but a draw or even a loss could endanger them as the Catalan side but Madrid can catch up anytime.
Both teams’ previous games
Before the international fixture, Sevilla could only muster a dramatic 1-1 draw in Valladolid. They were one goal behind through Fabian Oreallana’s penalty but Sevilla had to wait till the final minutes of the game by the goalkeeper Yassine Bounou’s striker after taking advantage of rumble in the box of the Andalusian side’s defence.
Meanwhile, Atletico clinched a narrow win over Alaves before the international break. Luis Suarez scored the only goal of the game as his header hit the far post and founded the back of the net after taking advantage of Kieran Trippier’s cross.
Possible tactics
Julen Lopetegui is still employing 4-3-3 formation with Mohammed En-Neysiri, Munir El-Haddadi and Lucas Ocampos on the front while, Papu Gomez, Oscar Rodriguez and Joan Jordan will be operating in the midfield area. Fortunately, none is missing the game after the international break.
His counterpart, Diego Simeone would be in favour of 4-3-3 again with the transition to 4-1-4-1. Luis Suarez is the lone striker with Joao Felix and Yannick Carrasco or Angel Correa shall be supporting hiim, while in the midfield, Marcos Llorente, Koke and Saul Niguez or Thomas Lemar will the second line. None is sidelined for injury or suspension for this fixture.
Players to watch
Sevilla’s main scorer is still the Moroccan Yusseef En-Neysiri with fifteen goals so far, yet his form has not been consistent throughout this season, the next best options in the squad are Jules Kounde, Yassine Bonou and the Argentine winger Lucas Ocampos. Sevill will be counting more on them for the years to come.
The former Barcelona prolific striker, Luis Suarez and Marcos Llorente have been the key men for Los Choconeros in the past few games. Both has bagged 28 goals and ten assists combined. Another notable name to watch is the Englishman Kieran Trippier registering six assists in La Liga this season.
Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid Prediction
In this tight affair, Diego Simeone’s men should expect a real challenge from Jesus Navas and Co. Their position might be safe for this week but a victory would mean more, either to seal the Champions League ticker sooner for Sevilla or to seal the title for Atletico.
Betting Odds
The clash is bound to be even, but the home side is the favourite according to the punters. Julen Lopetegui’s men’s odds to win are at 2/1, whereas Atletico Madrid’s win market is at 33/19. The odds for the draw result are at 28/13.
